JP2009069819A - Optical signal processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical signal processor in which an input port and an output port are switched and the light quantity of the signal light is adjustable. <P>SOLUTION: The light having wavelengths λ<SB>1</SB>to λ<SB>3</SB>input from the port P<SB>1</SB>of an optical fiber cross section 11 is branched in wavelengths with an optical system 110 and condensed for each wavelength. The light having the wavelength λ<SB>1</SB>is output in the direction of an optical system 140 in a state where the light quantity is adjusted with an optical signal adjustment means 21 and made incident on the port P<SB>4</SB>of an optical fiber 14 via the optical system 140. The light having the wavelength λ<SB>2</SB>is output in the direction of an optical system 130 in a state where the light quantity is adjusted with an optical signal adjustment means 22 and made incident on the port P<SB>3</SB>of an optical fiber 13 via the optical system 130. The light having the wavelength λ<SB>3</SB>is output in the direction of an optical system 120 in a state where the light quantity is adjusted with an optical signal adjustment means 23 and made incident on the port P<SB>2</SB>of an optical fiber 12 via the optical system 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical signal processor used in a wavelength division multiplexing optical communication system.

  2. Description of the Related Art In a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication system that multiplexes multiple wavelength signal lights and transmits them through an optical transmission line, an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer that multiplexes or demultiplexes multiple wavelength signal lights is used. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer disclosed in Patent Document 1 can select a port for inputting or outputting light of each wavelength, and is preferably used in an optical communication network in which a signal light transmission path and a signal light wavelength are flexible. It is done.

The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer disclosed in Patent Document 1 selects a wavelength branch element that spatially branches light input to an input port and a destination output port that outputs each wavelength branched by the wavelength branch element And the output port is switched by inserting or retracting the reflection unit.
JP 2005-308867 A

  In a WDM optical communication system, an optical amplification device is used when transmitting signal light. However, the amplification factor of the optical amplifying device varies depending on the wavelength, and the light quantity after amplification varies for each wavelength. Therefore, when the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer of Patent Document 1 is used in a WDM optical communication system, it is necessary to separately introduce a device for adjusting the amount of signal light amplified by the optical amplification device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical signal processor capable of switching input / output ports and simultaneously adjusting the amount of signal light. .

Optical signal processor according to the present invention receives light in port P _1, an optical signal processor for outputting light of each wavelength contained in the light from any of the ports in the port P ₂ to P _N (1) A _first light beam that spatially branches light of each wavelength included in the light input to the port P _1, and focuses the light beams of the branched wavelengths on a straight line that are arranged on different lines. 1 optical system, and (2) optical signal adjusting means for inputting light of each wavelength condensed by the first optical system and outputting light of each wavelength to an optical path different from the input optical path at the condensing point; (3) an n-th optical system provided between the optical signal adjusting means and the port P _n and receiving the light output from the optical signal adjusting means in a specific direction and outputting the light from the port P _n. It is characterized by providing. However, N is an integer greater than or equal to 3, n is each integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to N. Also, (2-1) a light signal adjusting means is provided for each of the different condensing points arranged on the straight line (2-1), and (2-2) a condensing point of light of each wavelength condensed by the first optical system. In some cases, an optical path changing unit that outputs light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system toward the nth optical system, and (2-3) adjacent to the optical path changing unit, and by the first optical system A light amount adjusting unit that outputs the light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system in a direction different from any of the first to nth optical systems when the light is collected at the collection point of the light of each wavelength; (2-4) It further includes a movable unit that moves the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit in a straight line on a plane that is arranged on a straight line and includes different condensing points.

In the above optical signal processor, the light input to the port P ₁ is spatially split by the first optical system, take different optical paths for each wavelength, it is condensed to a different focal point aligned on a straight line . The light of each wavelength condensed by the first optical system is output to an optical path different from the input optical path by the optical signal adjusting means at the condensing point. Of the light output from the optical signal adjusting means, the light output in a specific direction is output from the port P _n via the nth optical system.

  The optical signal adjusting means includes an optical path changing unit that outputs the light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system toward the nth optical system, and the light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system. A light amount adjusting unit that outputs in a direction different from any of the first to n-th optical systems, and a movable unit that moves the light path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit in a straight line on a plane that is arranged in a straight line and includes different condensing points. Is composed of. The optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit are adjacent to each other, and when the condensing point is at the boundary between the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit, the light collected at the condensing point is incident on the optical path changing unit. The emitted light is output toward the nth optical system. On the other hand, light incident on the light amount adjustment unit among the light collected at the condensing point is output in a direction different from any of the first to nth optical systems.

In this optical signal processor, when the optical path changing unit or the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit is provided with a light transmitting unit, and the light transmitting unit is at a condensing point of light of each wavelength output from the first optical system. It is preferable that light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system is transmitted. In this case, the light collected by the first optical system and incident on the optical signal adjusting means is transmitted by the light transmitting section, and then passes through the nth optical system facing the first optical system and then from the port _Pn. Is output.

  The optical signal processor further includes an optical signal shielding unit between the first optical system and the optical signal adjusting unit, and the optical signal shielding unit is configured to collect light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system. A light signal shielding unit that inputs the light of each wavelength and prevents the light from being collected at a condensing point, and a movable unit that moves the light signal shielding unit It is good. In this case, when moving the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit, the light output from the first optical system and reaching the condensing point on the optical signal adjusting unit is transmitted by the optical signal adjusting unit. It is possible to prevent output in a direction in which an unexpected optical system is provided.

  In this optical signal processor, it is preferable that the angle formed by the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit is 10 degrees or more.

  In this optical signal processor, it is preferable that at least one of the movable part in the optical signal adjusting means and the movable part in the optical signal shielding means is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) element.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical signal processor capable of switching input / output ports and simultaneously adjusting the amount of signal light.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Each figure shows an xyz orthogonal coordinate system for convenience of explanation.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of an optical signal processor according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an optical signal processor 1 according to the first embodiment. The optical signal processor 1 shown in this figure includes optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140 and optical signal adjusting means 21, 22, and 23 between an optical fiber 11 and optical fibers 12, 13, and 14. . The optical signal processor 1 has a port P ₁ at the end face position of the optical fiber 11. Similarly, the port P ₂ is provided at the end face position of the optical fiber 12. Further, the port P ₃ is provided at the end face position of the optical fiber 13. Further, a port P ₄ is provided at the end face position of the optical fiber 4. In the present embodiment, light is input to the port P ₁ of the optical fiber 11, and light of each wavelength included in the light is input to the port P _{2 of} the optical fiber 12, the port P _{3 of} the optical fiber 13, and the port P of the optical fiber 14. ₄ is output from any one of the _four .

  The optical system 110 includes lenses 111 and 113 and a diffraction grating element 112. Similarly, the optical system 120 includes lenses 121 and 123 and a diffraction grating element 122. The optical system 130 includes lenses 131 and 133 and a diffraction grating element 132. The optical system 140 includes lenses 141 and 143 and a diffraction grating element 142.

  An xyz orthogonal coordinate system is set between the optical fibers 11 to 14, the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140 and the optical signal adjustment units 21 to 23, and is parallel to the optical axis of the lens 113 included in the optical system 110. Set the z-axis. FIG. 1 is a projection view onto the yz plane.

The optical system 110 is the light of each wavelength contained in the light input to the port P ₁ of the optical fiber 11 spatially branched, the light of each wavelength that the branch, different focal point aligned on a straight line It acts as a first optical system for condensing light. Lens 111, the light is emitted from the port P ₁ of the optical fiber 11, and outputs the collimated enter the light. Next, the diffraction grating element 112 inputs the collimated light by the lens 111, the light of each wavelength (three wavelengths lambda ₁ to [lambda] ₃ in the present _embodiment) included in the light spatially branched, The branched light of each wavelength is output to different optical paths. Each grating of the diffraction grating element 112 extends in the x-axis direction. At this time, the light of each wavelength output from the diffraction grating element 112 is parallel to the yz plane and travels in different directions. The lens 113 condenses the light of each wavelength output from the diffraction grating element 112. At this time, the light of each wavelength output from the lens 113 travels in parallel to the yz plane, and is collected at a condensing point arranged on a straight line parallel to the y-axis direction.

The optical system 120 receives the light output in the direction of the optical system 120 among the light of each wavelength input to the optical signal adjusting units 21 to 23, collimates and outputs the lens 123, and the light collimated by the lens 123. It includes a diffraction grating element 122 to input toward the lens 121 output, a lens 121 for outputting toward the port P ₂ of the optical fiber 12 receives the output light from the diffraction grating element 123, a.

The optical system 130 receives, from the light of each wavelength input to the optical signal adjustment units 21 to 23, a lens 133 that inputs, collimates, and outputs light that travels straight, and inputs the light collimated by the lens 133 to the lens 131. And a lens 131 that inputs the light output from the diffraction grating element 132 and outputs the light toward the port P ₃ of the optical fiber 13.

The optical system 140 receives the light output in the direction of the optical system 140 out of the light of each wavelength input to the optical signal adjusting units 21 to 23, collimates and outputs the lens 143, and the light collimated by the lens 143. It includes a diffraction grating element 142 to input toward the lens 141 output, a lens 141 for outputting toward the port P ₄ of the optical fiber 14 receives the output light from the diffraction grating element 142, a.

Optical signal adjusting means 21, as an optical signal adjusting means the wavelength lambda ₁ of light is provided at the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₁ of light. Similar optical signal adjusting means 22, as the optical signal adjusting means the wavelength lambda ₂ of light is provided at the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₂ of light. Further, the optical signal adjusting unit 23, as an optical signal adjusting means the wavelength lambda ₃ of the light, is provided at the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₃ of the light.

In FIG. 1, the light of wavelength λ ₁ input to the optical signal adjusting unit 21 is output in the direction of the optical system 140 in a state where the light amount is adjusted by the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit included in the optical signal adjusting unit 21. Is done. In addition, the light of wavelength λ ₂ input to the optical signal adjusting unit 22 is output in the direction of the optical system 130 with the light amount adjusted in the same manner. Light of the wavelength lambda ₃ that is inputted to the optical signal adjusting unit 23, while being adjusted similarly amount is output to the direction of the optical system 120.

Here, the configuration of the optical signal adjusting means will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit 21 according to the first embodiment. The optical signal adjusting means 21 includes reflection surfaces 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 as an optical path changing unit and a light amount adjusting unit on a straight line along the x-axis. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the optical signal adjusting unit 21 further includes a movable portion that can move in the x-axis direction. Thus the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit can be moved to the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₁ of light. This movable part is based on, for example, a MEMS element.

In the optical signal adjusting means 21, when the reflective surface 213 is in the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₁ of light, light of the wavelength lambda ₁ that has been collected by the optical system 110, the direction of the optical system 140 via the reflecting surface 213 Is output. Also, when the reflective surface 215 is in the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₁ of the light, light of the wavelength lambda ₁ that has been collected by the optical system 110 is output via the reflecting surface 215 in the direction of the optical system 120. If the light amount adjustment unit 211,212,214 is in the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₁ of the light, the light of wavelength λ1 which is collected by the optical system 110, different from any of the optical system 110, 120 Output in the direction. Furthermore, the absence at the focal point of either surface is also the wavelength lambda ₁ of the light reflecting surface 211 to 215 of the optical signal adjusting means 21, the light condensed wavelength lambda ₁ by the optical system 110 is straight, the optical It is output in the direction of the system 130. As described above, the reflecting surfaces 213 and 215 function as an optical path changing unit, and the reflecting surfaces 211, 212, and 214 function as a light amount adjusting unit.

  The optical signal adjusting means 22 and 23 have the same structure as the optical signal adjusting means 21. The optical signal adjusting unit 22 includes reflection surfaces 221 to 225. The optical signal adjusting means 23 includes reflecting surfaces 231 to 235. These reflecting surfaces have the same functions as the reflecting surfaces 211 to 215 of the optical signal adjusting unit 21 and function as an optical path changing unit or a light amount adjusting unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the optical signal adjusting units 21 to 23 are moving in the first embodiment. The optical signal adjustment units 21 to 23 can be moved in the x-axis direction by the respective movable parts. In this way, by moving the optical signal adjusting means 21 to 23 in the x-axis direction and moving the specific reflecting surface to the light condensing points of the respective wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₃ , the wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₃ light output direction can be determined.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing how light of each wavelength is reflected when light of wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₃ is incident on the optical signal adjusting units 21 to 23 in the first embodiment. The lights having wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₃ are respectively collected at a condensing point on a straight line II ′ parallel to the y axis. Hereinafter, each of the optical signal adjusting units 21 to 23 will be described.

The light of wavelength λ ₁ is incident on the optical signal adjusting means 21 in FIG. The optical signal adjusting means 21 is moved so that the end of the reflecting surface 211 in the x-axis direction is located at the condensing point of the light having the wavelength λ ₁ among the reflecting surfaces. In this case, part of the light incident on the condensing point goes straight because it does not pass through the reflecting surface, and reaches the optical system 130. However, the light incident on the reflecting surface 211 among the light incident on the condensing point is reflected by the reflecting surface 211. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 211 does not reach any of the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140. As a result, the amount of light having the wavelength λ ₁ reaching the optical system 130 is reduced by the amount of light reflected by the reflecting surface 211 as compared with the time when the light enters the optical signal adjusting unit 21.

The light of wavelength λ ₂ is incident on the optical signal adjusting means 22 of FIG. Optical signal adjusting means 22, the boundary portion between the reflection surface 222 and the reflective surface 223 is moved so as to be positioned at the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₂ of light. In this case, part of the light incident on the condensing point is reflected by the reflecting surface 222, and the remaining light is reflected by the reflecting surface 223. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 222 does not reach any of the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140, but the light reflected by the reflecting surface 223 is output in the direction of the optical system 140. As a result, the amount of light having the wavelength λ ₂ that reaches the optical system 140 is reduced by the amount of light reflected by the reflecting surface 222 as compared with the time when the light enters the optical signal adjusting unit 22.

The light of wavelength λ ₃ is incident on the optical signal adjusting means 23 of FIG. Optical signal adjusting unit 23, a boundary portion between the reflection surface 234 and the reflective surface 235 is moved so as to be positioned at the focal point of the wavelength lambda ₃ of the light. In this case, a part of the light incident on the condensing point is reflected by the reflecting surface 234 and the remaining light is reflected by the reflecting surface 235. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 234 does not reach any of the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140, but the light reflected by the reflecting surface 235 is output in the direction of the optical system 120. As a result, the amount of light having the wavelength λ ₃ reaching the optical system 120 is reduced by the amount of light reflected by the reflecting surface 234 as compared with the time when the light enters the optical signal adjusting unit 23.

  In this way, the light of each wavelength enters the boundary between the reflecting surface (optical path changing unit) that reflects toward a specific optical system and the reflecting surface (light amount adjusting unit) that reflects in a direction that does not reach any optical system. , The amount of light can be reduced by the amount of light reflected by the reflecting surface that reflects in a direction that does not reach any optical system. Also, output to a specific optical system by changing the ratio of the amount of light incident on the reflective surface that reflects toward the specific optical system and the reflective surface that reflects in a direction that does not reach any optical system. The amount of light to be adjusted can be adjusted. This adjustment of the amount of light can be easily performed by moving the position of the optical signal adjusting means in the x-axis direction.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another operation of the optical signal processor 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the position of the optical signal adjusting unit 21 is adjusted, and the light having the wavelength λ ₁ incident on the optical signal adjusting unit 21 is output in the direction of the optical system 120. On the other hand, the light of wavelength λ ₂ incident on the optical signal adjusting means 22 is output to the optical system 130 as in FIG. Further, the light of wavelength λ ₃ incident on the optical signal adjusting unit 23 is output in the direction of the optical system 120. Therefore, the optical signal processor 1 outputs light of two wavelengths of wavelength λ ₁ and wavelength λ ₃ to the port P ₂ of the optical fiber 12. In addition, any light having wavelengths λ ₁ to λ ₃ is not output in the direction of the optical system 140. Thus, by adjusting the optical signal adjusting means at the condensing point of the light of each wavelength, it is possible to output light of a plurality of wavelengths in the direction of the same optical system.

  According to this embodiment, there is provided an optical signal processor capable of simultaneously switching input / output ports and adjusting the amount of signal light by adjusting the optical signal adjusting means. Further, the optical signal adjusting means can be easily moved by the movable portion, and the switching of the input / output port and the adjustment of the light quantity of the signal light can be easily performed.

Although the case where the optical signal processor 1 demultiplexes light has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to demultiplexing, and multiplexing can also be performed. That is, light having a plurality of wavelengths (wavelengths λ _{1 to} λ ₃ ) is input from the ports P _{2 to} P ₄ of the optical fibers 12 to 14, passes through the optical signal adjustment units 21 to 23, and is combined from the port P _{1 of the} optical fiber. It can also be output as a wave.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the optical signal processor according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the optical signal processor 2 according to the second embodiment. The optical signal processor 2 shown in this figure includes an optical system 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, an optical signal adjustment means 21, between the optical fiber 11 and 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. To 24. The port P ₅ is provided at the end face position of the optical fiber 15. Similarly, the port P ₆ is provided at the end face position of the optical fiber 16. The optical system 150 includes lenses 151 and 153 and a diffraction grating element 152. Similarly, the optical system 160 includes lenses 161 and 163 and a diffraction grating element 162. The optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment. 6 sets the xyz orthogonal coordinate system in the same manner as FIG. 1 and sets the z-axis parallel to the optical axis of the lens 113 included in the optical system 110. FIG. 6 is a projection view of the xz plane. The optical fibers 12 and 14, the optical systems 120 and 140, and the optical signal adjustment units 21 to 23 are not shown in FIG.

Optical system 110, similarly to the first embodiment, the light of each wavelength contained in the light input to the port P ₁ of the optical fiber 11 spatially branched, the light of each was the branch wavelength, linear It acts as a first optical system that collects light at different condensing points. In FIG. 6, a plurality of wavelengths of light (4 wavelength lambda ₁ to [lambda] ₄ in this _embodiment) shows only light of the wavelength lambda ₄ after spatially branch, wavelength lambda ₄ light condensing Only the optical signal adjusting means 24 provided at the point is shown.

The optical system 150 receives the light output in the direction of the optical system 150 from the light input to the optical signal adjusting unit 24, collimates and outputs the light, and inputs the light collimated by the lens 153 to the lens 151. And a lens 151 that receives the light output from the diffraction grating element 153 and outputs the light toward the port P ₅ of the optical fiber 15.

In addition, the optical system 160 receives the light output in the direction of the optical system 160 among the light of each wavelength input to the optical signal adjusting unit 24, collimates and outputs the light, and the light collimated by the lens 163. A diffraction grating element 162 that inputs and outputs the light toward the lens 161, and a lens 161 that inputs light output from the diffraction grating element 163 and outputs the light toward the port P ₆ of the optical fiber 16.

In FIG. 6, the light of wavelength λ ₄ input to the optical signal adjusting unit 24 is adjusted in the amount of light by the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit included in the optical signal adjusting unit 24, and the optical system 150 and the optical system 160. Are output in either direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an optical path changing unit and a light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit 24 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit 24. The optical signal adjusting means 24 includes reflection surfaces 241 to 249 as an optical path changing unit and a light amount adjusting unit linearly along the x-axis. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the optical signal adjusting means 24 further includes a movable part that moves in the x-axis direction. As a result, the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit of the optical signal adjusting unit 24 can be moved to the condensing point of the light having the wavelength λ ₄ .

In this optical signal adjusting means 24, the reflecting surfaces 241 to 245 have the same functions as the reflecting surfaces 211 to 215 of the optical signal adjusting means 21 shown in FIG. 2, and the reflecting surfaces 243 and 245 serve as optical path changing units. The reflection surfaces 241, 242, and 244 function as a light amount adjustment unit, respectively. The optical signal adjusting unit 24 further includes reflecting surfaces 246 to 249. In FIG. 7A, the boundary between the reflecting surface 248 and the reflecting surface 249 is parallel to the y-axis and parallel to the straight line II ′ including the condensing point of the light with the wavelength λ ₄ .

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a part of the optical signal adjusting unit 24 including the reflecting surfaces 246 to 249 when viewed from the y-axis direction. If the reflecting surface 247 is in the light of the focal point of the wavelength lambda _4, light of the wavelength lambda _4, which is collected by the optical system 110 is output via the reflective surface toward the optical system 150. Also, when the reflective surface 248 is in the light of the focal point of the wavelength lambda _4, the light of wavelength lambda _4, which is collected by the optical system 110 is output via the reflecting surface 248 in the direction of the optical system 160. If any of the reflective surfaces 246,249 are in the focal point of the wavelength lambda _4, the light converging optical wavelength lambda ₄ by the optical system 110 is also output to the direction different from the one of the optical system 110 to 160 . As described above, the reflecting surfaces 247 and 248 function as an optical path changing unit, and the reflecting surfaces 246 and 249 function as a light amount adjusting unit.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when light of wavelength λ ₄ is collected at the boundary between the reflective surface 248 and the reflective surface 249, a part of the incident light is reflected by the reflective surface 248. The remaining light is reflected by the reflecting surface 249. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 248 is output in the direction of the optical system 160, but the light reflected by the reflecting surface 249 does not reach any of the optical systems 110 to 160. As a result, the amount of light of the wavelength λ ₄ that reaches the optical system 160 is reduced by the amount of light reflected by the reflecting surface 249 as compared with the time when it enters the optical signal adjusting unit 24.

When the boundary between the reflecting surface 247 and the reflecting surface 248 is moved to the light condensing point of the light having the wavelength λ ₄ , the light reflected by the reflecting surface 247 is output in the direction of the optical system 150, and the reflecting surface 248 is reflected. in the light reflected is output to the direction of the optical system 160, the light of wavelength lambda ₄ in the direction of the optical system 150 and the optical system 160 may branch in a specific ratio. This ratio can also be freely determined by adjusting the light adjusting means 24 in the x-axis direction.

  According to this embodiment, the optical fiber at the output destination of the optical signal processor 2 can be installed not only in the yz plane including the condensing point of the light of each wavelength, and the optical signal processor has a wider structure. Can be provided.

Although the case where the optical signal processor 2 demultiplexes light has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to demultiplexing, and multiplexing can also be performed. That is, the input from the port _P 2 to P ₆ of the optical fiber 12 to 16 of a plurality of wavelengths, through the optical signal adjusting means 21 to 24 can also be output from the port _{P 1} of the optical fiber as the wave.

(First Modification of Optical Signal Processor)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification of the optical signal adjusting means included in the optical signal processor as a first modification of the optical signal processor according to the first embodiment. In the optical signal adjusting unit 25 of FIG. 8, the reflecting surfaces 251 to 255 have the same functions as the reflecting surfaces 211 to 215 of the optical signal adjusting unit 21 shown in FIG. The optical signal adjusting means 25 further includes an opening 253 a in the reflection surface 253. In addition, the reflection surface 255 includes an opening 255a.

  In the optical signal adjusting unit 25, when light having a specific wavelength enters the opening 253a or the opening 255a, the light incident on the opening travels straight and is output in the direction of the optical system 130 in the first embodiment. Further, similarly to the optical signal adjusting unit 21 in FIG. 2, the light incident on the reflecting surface 253 is output in the direction of the optical system 140. Further, the light incident on the reflecting surface 255 is output in the direction of the optical system 120. Therefore, when light having a specific wavelength is input to the boundary between the reflecting surface 253 and the opening 253a, a part of the light is reflected by the reflecting surface 253, and the remaining light passes through the opening 253a. Then, it is output at a specific ratio in the direction of the optical system 130. When light having a specific wavelength is input to the boundary between the reflecting surface 255 and the opening 255a, a part of the light is reflected by the reflecting surface 255 toward the optical system 120, and the remaining light passes through the opening 253a. Then, it is output at a specific ratio in the direction of the optical system 130. This ratio can be freely determined by adjusting the optical signal adjusting means 25 in the x-axis direction.

  In this way, by using the optical signal adjustment means having the opening on the reflection surface, the optical system that the light incident on the optical signal adjustment means reaches the light input to the optical signal adjustment means, and the reflection surface It is possible to branch at a specific ratio to the optical system that is reached by being reflected at.

(Second modification of optical signal processor)
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating a second modification of the optical signal processor according to the first embodiment. In the second modified example shown in FIG. 9, in the optical signal processor according to the first embodiment, the first optical system 110 (the lens 113 included in the first optical system 110 is shown in FIG. 9) and the optical signal. The difference from the first embodiment is that optical signal shielding means 31 to 33 are provided between the adjustment means 21 to 23. Hereinafter, the optical signal shielding means 31 to 33 will be described.

The optical signal shielding means 31 to 33 are light paths of wavelengths λ ₁ to λ ₃ that travel in a direction parallel to the yz plane and collect light toward each condensing point arranged linearly along the y axis. It is provided so as to block each. That is, the optical signal shielding unit 31 is provided on the optical path of the light having the wavelength λ ₁ as the optical signal shielding unit for the light having the wavelength λ ₁ output from the lens 113. Similarly, the optical signal shielding means 32 is provided on the optical path of the light with the wavelength λ ₂ as the optical signal shielding means for the light with the wavelength λ ₂ output from the lens 113. The optical signal shielding means 33 is provided on the optical path of the light with the wavelength λ ₃ as the optical signal shielding means for the light with the wavelength λ ₃ output from the lens 113.

  The optical signal shielding unit included in the optical signal shielding units 31 to 33 can be configured by, for example, a light absorbing material that can absorb light of a specific wavelength output from the lens 113. The optical signal shielding unit may be configured to reflect light input to the optical signal shielding units 31 to 33 and output the reflected light in a direction different from that of the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, the optical signal shielding means further includes a movable portion that can move in the x-axis direction. By this movable part, the optical signal shielding means 31 to 33 can be moved on the optical path of the light having the wavelengths λ ₁ to λ ₃ or can be moved to a position different from the optical path. This movable part is based on, for example, a MEMS element.

  An effect when the optical signal processor 1 according to the first embodiment includes the optical signal shielding means having the above-described configuration will be described.

The output direction of the light of each wavelength output from the optical system 110 is changed by moving the optical signal adjusting means 21 to 23 to place a specific reflecting surface at the condensing point of the light of each wavelength. Is called. Specifically, in order to further adjust the amount of light by changing the output direction of the light of wavelength λ ₁ output from the optical system 110 from the direction of the optical system 140 to the direction of the optical system 130, the wavelength λ ₁ It is necessary to move the optical signal adjusting means 21 so that the light condensing point is at the upper end of the reflecting surface 211 (the position of the optical signal adjusting means 21 shown in FIG. 4) from the reflecting surface 215. Here, when the optical signal processor 1 does not include the optical signal shielding means, the optical signal adjustment is performed so that the condensing point of the light with the wavelength λ ₁ is located on the reflection surfaces 215, 214, 213, 212, and 211. Means 21 must be moved. At this time, since the light of wavelength λ ₁ is irradiated to the respective reflecting surfaces of the optical signal adjusting means 21, the light reflected by each reflecting surface is different from the original purpose (for example, the optical system 140). Is temporarily output. Therefore, as in this modification, an optical signal shielding unit 31 is provided between the optical system 110 and the optical signal adjustment unit 21, and the wavelength is changed by moving the optical signal shielding unit 31 when the optical signal adjustment unit 21 is switched. by arranging the optical signal blocking portion to block the optical path of the lambda ₁ light, the optical signal to the non-target optical system can be prevented from reaching.

(Third Modification of Optical Signal Processor)
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third modification of the optical signal processor according to the first embodiment. In the third modified example, the optical signal shielding means 34 is provided between the optical system 110 and the optical signal adjusting means 21 in the same manner as in the second modified example, but by the reflecting surface 342 of the optical signal shielding means 34. The difference from the second modified example is that the reflected light of wavelength λ ₁ is incident on the reflecting surface 213 of the optical signal adjusting means 21.

As shown in FIG. 10, the optical signal shielding unit 34 according to the third modification is arranged on the same xy plane as the optical signal adjustment unit 21, and includes a reflecting surface 342 and an optical signal shielding unit on a straight line along the x axis. A reflective surface 341. Further, although not shown in FIG. 10, the optical signal shielding means 34 includes a movable portion that can move in the x-axis direction. Thus, it is possible to move the optical signal blocking means 34 on the optical path of the wavelength lambda ₁ of light. This movable part is based on, for example, a MEMS element.

The reflection surface 342 is disposed, for example, parallel to the x axis and having an inclination of 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the light having the wavelength λ ₁ output from the optical system 110. Further, the reflection surface 341 has a function of an optical signal shielding unit, and when the light of the wavelength λ ₁ output from the optical system 110 is reflected by the reflection surface 341, the reflected light reaches the optical signal adjusting means or the optical system. It arrange | positions so that it may radiate | emit in the direction which does not.

  The operation at the time of switching the optical signal adjusting means 21 when the optical signal shielding means 34 having such a configuration is used will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the reflection surface 342 of the optical signal shielding unit 34 is disposed on the optical path of the light with the wavelength λ ₁ output from the optical system 110, the light with the wavelength λ ₁ is reflected by the reflection surface 342. Then, the light is output in the direction of the reflecting surface 213 of the optical signal adjusting means 21. Then, the optical path is changed by the reflecting surface 213 (optical path changing unit) arranged at the light condensing point of the light with the wavelength λ _{1, and} the light is output in the direction of the optical system 140. In this way, it is output in the direction of the optical system 140.

Next, when the optical signal adjusting unit 21 is switched, the reflecting surface 341 (optical signal shielding unit) of the optical signal shielding unit 34 is disposed on the optical path of the light having the wavelength λ ₁ before the optical signal adjusting unit 21 is switched. Thus, the movable part of the optical signal shielding means 34 is moved. At this time, the light output from the optical system 110 and reflected by the reflecting surface 341 does not reach any of the optical systems 110, 120, 130, and 140. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the optical signal from reaching an unintended optical system when the optical signal adjusting means 21 is switched.

  Further, even when the reflection surface 341 is used as a light absorbing member, the effect of suppressing the arrival of an optical signal to an undesired optical system can be obtained when the optical signal adjusting means 21 is switched as in the above modification.

The third modification shown in FIG. 10 in which the optical signal shielding means 34 is disposed adjacent to the optical signal adjusting means 21 for the light with the wavelength λ ₁ is a pair of light with a specific wavelength. It is necessary that the optical signal shielding means and the optical signal adjustment means are arranged. That is, as in the optical signal processor 1 according to the first embodiment, in the case of splitting light of three types of wavelengths, the optical signal adjustment arranged at the condensing point where the light of each wavelength is condensed By providing the optical signal shielding means with respect to the means, it is possible to suppress the arrival of the optical signal to a non-target optical system.

  In the second modification and the third modification, the optical signal shielding means 31 to 34 can be moved in the x-axis direction by the movable part. However, the moving direction of the optical signal shielding means 31 to 34 is described. Is not limited to the x-axis direction.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the number of optical fibers (the number of input / output ports) is arbitrary, and the number of reflecting surfaces serving as the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit may be appropriately designed according to the number. Moreover, although the movable part included in the optical signal adjusting means in the above embodiment can move along the x-axis direction, the moving direction is not limited to this. Further, a planar optical waveguide formed on the substrate may be used instead of the optical fiber. Also for the optical system, for example, a reflection type element may be used as the diffraction grating element instead of the transmission type.

It is a block diagram of the optical signal processor 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the optical path change part and light quantity adjustment part of the optical signal adjustment means 21 which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows typically the state which the optical signal adjustment means 21-23 is moving in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows typically the mode of reflection of the light of each wavelength when the light of wavelength (lambda) _1- (lambda) ₃ injects into the optical signal adjustment means 21-23 in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows another operation | movement of the optical signal processor 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the optical signal processor 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path change part and light quantity adjustment part of the optical signal adjustment means 24 which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the optical signal processor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the optical signal processor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the 3rd modification of the optical signal processor which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Optical signal processor, 11-16 ... Optical fiber, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 ... Optical system, 111, 113, 121, 123, 131, 133, 141, 143, 151, 153 , 161, 163 ... lenses 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162 ... diffraction grating elements, 21-25 ... optical signal adjusting means, 31-34 ... optical signal shielding means, 211-215, 221-225, 231 ～235,241～249,251～255,341,342 ... reflecting surface, 253a, 255a ... _{opening, P} 1 to P 6 _... ports.

Claims (5)

Inputs light into the port P _1, an optical signal processor for outputting light of each wavelength contained in the light from any of the ports in the port P ₂ to P _N,
A _first optical system that spatially branches light of each wavelength included in the light input to the port P1, and condenses the branched light of each wavelength on different light collection points on a straight line. When,
Optical signal adjusting means for inputting light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system and outputting the light of each wavelength to an optical path different from the input optical path at the condensing point;
An _n-th optical system provided between the optical signal adjusting means and the port _Pn , for inputting light output from the optical signal adjusting means in a specific direction, and outputting the light from the port _Pn ;
With
The optical signal adjusting means is
Provided on each of the different condensing points arranged on the straight line,
An optical path change for outputting light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system toward the nth optical system when the light is collected by the first optical system. And
When adjacent to the optical path changing unit and located at a condensing point of light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system, the light of each wavelength condensed by the first optical system is A light amount adjusting unit for outputting in a direction different from any of the n-th optical system;
A movable unit that moves the optical path changing unit and the light amount adjusting unit in a straight line direction on a plane that is arranged on the straight line and includes different condensing points;
An optical signal processor (where N is an integer of 3 or more and n is an integer of 2 or more and N or less). A light transmission part is provided in the optical path changing part or the light amount adjusting part of the optical signal adjusting means,
The light transmission unit transmits light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system when the light transmission unit is located at a condensing point of light of each wavelength output from the first optical system. Item 5. The optical signal processor according to Item 1. An optical signal shielding means is further provided between the first optical system and the optical signal adjustment means,
The optical signal shielding means includes
An optical signal shielding unit configured to input light of each wavelength and prevent the light from being collected at the condensing point when being on an optical path of the light of each wavelength collected by the first optical system; ,
A movable part for moving the optical signal shielding part;
The optical signal processor according to claim 1, comprising:   The optical signal processor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the optical signal adjusting means, an angle formed by the light amount adjusting unit adjacent to the optical path changing unit is 10 degrees or more.   5. The optical signal processor according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the movable part in the optical signal adjusting unit and the movable part in the optical signal shielding unit is a MEMS element.

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